Antipasto Skewers

Hosting a get-together? These Antipasto Skewers are a fantastic make-ahead option that will impress your guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Customize them with your favorite ingredients including cheeses, meats, olives, artichoke, and tortellini. Check out this easy recipe that’s sure to become a party favorite!

I’ve been wanting to make antipasto skewers (or as some might call them antipasto kabobs) for the longest time. I’m talking years.

Yesterday when I was at the grocery store trying to come up with an idea for today’s post, I decided that even though I didn’t have anyone to serve them to, I was finally going to make these fun antipasto skewers. I’m pretty sure these are the ultimate appetizer recipe!

And I’m glad I did. These will now be a go-to party food for me. They are simple to make and absolutely delicious!

And if you like antipasto, you need to try my antipasto pasta salad!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• As you might have guessed, while these look fancy, they are ridiculously easy to put together. It takes a little time to skewer all of your foods, but other than that, it’s a breeze. Plus, the only thing you have to cook is the pasta – and that’s as simple as boiling water.
• By stacking a combination of ingredients on each skewer, every bite is packed with flavor. From the salty prosciutto to the tangy artichokes and creamy cheese, these skewers offer a balanced mix of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more.
• These are not only delicious, but they are super fun. If you serve these at a party, your guests will absolutely love them. I will give you the recipe below with the ingredients I used but feel free to get creative and make them your own.
• One of the best parts of these antipasto skewers is how flexible they are. You can swap in your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your preferences, or even make them vegetarian. It’s easy to adjust the ingredients to match the occasion or what’s already in your pantry.

Hungry for more? I love appetizers. That’s why I have two dedicated collection to all of my favorites. Check out these easy hors d’oeuvres ideas and this collection of my best cold appetizer recipes.

Ingredients

I used a variety of traditional antipasto items for my skewers. However, feel free to use what you like or have on hand. The options are really endless here.

• Tortellini – Use any kind of pasta that is filled with meat or cheese and is easy to add to your bamboo skewer.
• Tomatoes – A small tomato (like cherry or grape) will be easier to add to the skewers.
• Olives – These are optional, but they add a tanginess to the savory kabobs.
• Meats – I used both salami and prosciutto. Feel free to add pepperoni or even some sweet bologna to the skewers.
• Cheese – Cut your favorite flavor of cheese into the thick blocks so they will be easier to use.
• Artichoke hearts – You can use marinated or plain. Cut them into bite sized pieces.
• Basil – Use both fresh basil leaves and some basil pesto.

You’ll also need some wood skewers. Create these antipasto skewers on longer 12-inch wood skewers or smaller 6-inch wood skewer for a more compact appetizer. 

How to Make

Let’s assemble these Antipasto Skewers. I’ll walk you through the process below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

1. Start by pre-cooking the pasta and allow it to cool.
2. Skewer your selected ingredients onto a wood skewer in whatever order you desire.

3. Arrange the assembled skewers on a large platter.
4. Drizzle with basil pesto.

It’s as simple as that!

Recipe Variations

Get creative and try whatever ingredients YOU enjoy in your antipasto skewers! You don’t need to follow the “standard” antipasto ingredients. Get creative! Some options could include:

• Roasted or fresh bell peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.
• Chunks of crusty bread or toasted crostini to add texture.
• Pepperoni or other cured meats for a different savory twist.
• Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Melon pieces such as cantaloupe or honeydew to add a juicy, refreshing bite.
• Marinated mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy burst of flavor.
• Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for a more elegant, savory touch.
• Grilled zucchini or eggplant slices for a smoky, hearty vegetable option.
• Pickled vegetables like cornichons or pickled onions to add a sharp, tangy bite.
• Smoked salmon for a luxurious, slightly salty addition.
• Figs or dried apricots to bring a sweet contrast to the savory items.

To finish off the skewers, I used a drizzle of store-bought basil pesto, which complements the ingredients beautifully. If pesto isn’t your thing, don’t worry! A simple mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar works wonderfully, or you can opt for an Italian dressing for a bit more zest.

Feeling adventurous? You can even take these skewers in a whole new direction by trying a Greek-inspired variation. Swap the meats for feta cheese, add some kalamata olives, and finish with a drizzle of Greek dressing for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Store

The best way to store leftover antipasto skewers is to deconstruct them and keep the ingredients inside individual containers. Then, when you are ready to enjoy them again, place them back on the skewers.

This will help the ingredients last longer. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get to the skewers recipe, here are some questions people often ask about it. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What does antipasto mean?

Now, before everyone gets too excited, there is pasta on my skewers. In case you didn’t know (I wasn’t aware of this until I googled it yesterday.), antipasto actually means “before the meal,” not anti-pasta. Ha! (Please tell me I’m not the only one who thought that.)

So, pasta in your antipasto is perfectly okay.

Can antipasto be made ahead of time?

Yes, almost any kind of antipasto dish can be made ahead of time, including these kabobs. If you are going to make them ahead of time, I suggest keeping the sauce in a separate container. The kabobs will last longer if you store them without any sauce on top.

Are kabobs an appetizer?

Yes, these antipasto kabobs are an appetizer. Remember, antipasto literally means “before the meal,” so this combination of light pasta with a few different types of meat is supposed to be served before the main meal. However, you can eat them for your lunch because they have all the ingredients of a light lunch.

Is antipasto Greek or Italian?

The word antipasto is Italian. But you can make all sorts of different antipasto skewers with influences from other countries. I used Italian spices and ingredients, so my antipasto skewers are Italian.

Do I need to serve these skewers with anything?

These skewers are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a dipping sauce for extra flavor. A balsamic glaze, olive tapenade, or even a light vinaigrette would pair wonderfully. If you’re serving these as part of a larger spread, they complement other appetizers like bruschetta or a charcuterie board.

More Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love

• Bacon-Wrapped, Cream Cheese Stuff Jalapeños
• Really Good Macaroni Salad
• Wedge Salad Skewers
• Blue Cheese Stuffed Buffalo Meatballs
• Really Good Jalapeño Dip

These antipasto skewers are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply making a snack for family and friends. Not only do they look fantastic on the table, but they’re also fun to eat—your guests will love the variety in every bite.

I know you’ll love these antipasto skewers. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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